9 days 9 nights
Pacific Explorer

Total Price: $1,098

Starts: San Francisco, California

Ends: San Francisco, California

A Pacific Northwest adventure with the added bonus of Yosemite National Park!  Spend a few days beneath granite masterpieces, El Capitan and Half Dome, and venturing around Tuolumne Meadows.  Then, embark on a journey to the magical wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. This trip features adrenaline pumping whitewater rafting, the serene Crater Lake National Park, relaxing hot spring soaks and a pristine coastline decorated with towering redwoods, the world’s tallest living things!  You cannot comprehend these enchanted destinations without seeing them with your own eyes!

Day 0

Welcome to the Green Tortoise!

Meet at the bus loading zone at the intersection of Columbus and Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco with your e-ticket. 

The bus departs at 9:00 PM.  

Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time. 

An overnight ride brings us to Yosemite National Park!

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Day 1

Wake up in the remarkable wilderness and enjoy your first Tortoise breakfast.  A short ride along a picturesque road reveals views of El Capitan, Half Dome and cascading waterfalls before we stop to explore Yosemite Valley.  The early arrival allows plenty of time to hike the famous Mist Trail, meander along the Merced River, rent a bike or take a gander at the Ansel Adams Gallery and the famous Ahwahnee Hotel.  

In the evening, head for camp in the Eastern Sierras and enjoy a decadent camp dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Showers Available at Yosemite Lodge 

Camp Night

Day 2

Enjoy the scenic ride to Tuolumne Meadows.  Meander through the subalpine meadow or hike to the magnificent views atop Lembert Dome.  Next, we’ll wind our way to Tuolumne Grove, where you can stand in the presence of giants!  An up-close encounter with the Sequoias will leave you humbled.  

Tonight, celebrate the good times in South Lake Tahoe.  We’ll drive overnight back to the City by the Bay.

Meals Inlcuded: Breakfast / Lunch

Optional Swim / Showers Available

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Day 3

Awaken to gorgeous views of the San Francisco.  Spend the day exploring Golden Gate Park, visiting the Painted Ladies, taking a bike ride or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, or relaxing in Mission Dolores Park.  You may choose to visit famous Lombard Street or venture around many of the City by the Bay’s eclectic neighborhoods.  Tonight, you’ll meet us back at the Columbus and Montgomery St. bus loading zone to continue the journey to the Pacific Northwest.

Showers Available

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Day 4

Morning finds us in the realm of towering giants.  A hike through the magical forest in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park leads to the unspoiled beauty of the North Coast.  Relax on a short ride to our remote campsite before a gourmet cookout and peaceful night’s rest under a canopy of stars in the Trinity National Forest.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Optional Swim

Camp Night

Day 5

Blast off on the Trinity River with an optional whitewater rafting experience or take a gentler approach to the day and soak up the sun while spotting wildlife on the river bank.  Explore the historic town of Weaverville, nestled at the base of the Trinity Alps Wilderness.  Visit some of the art galleries and historical buildings or stroll along on a coffeehouse tour before heading to our campsite under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Optional Swim / Showers Available

Camp Night

Day 6

Lassen National Park supports a “quiet” volcano and boasts a network of cracks in the earth’s crust that deliver hydrothermal delights and smokey plumage upward to the heavens.  One of the wonders of the world!  Few have had the opportunity to spend time in a region so densely populated with geothermal activity!  Explore the unique terrain of Bumpass Hell and meander through steaming pools, multi-colored soils, and aquamarine water. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Optional Swim

Camp Night

Day 7

The blue depths of Crater Lake are ideal for a serene day of reflection or an inspiring hike to the shore.  The volcanic island provides a unique photographic opportunity, as does the abundant and diverse vegetation.  Keep your camera handy — you may spot one of the local elk, pronghorn, black-tailed deer or coyote that reside here.  Later, revitalize your body and spirit in a natural hot springs nestled in a lush forest overlooking a river. After soaking the night away, Umpqua Hot Springs is sure to be on your list of favorite plunge sites!

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Optional Swim/Soak

Camp night

Day 8

Satisfy your craving for metropolis in Ashland, Oregon.  Stroll through an art gallery, take in some live music, sample the local offerings at a wine bar or microbrewery, or attend a theatrical performance.  Then, delight the taste buds with a culinary masterpiece.  If shopping is your passion, you’ll find plenty of specialty stores and boutiques here.  

Meals Included: Breakfast

Showers Available

Custom Sleeper Coach Drive Night

Day 9

Our wondrous journey ends back in San Francisco at 7:00 AM.  We’ll say farewell until the next incredible journey!

  • 70% of your meals
  • Travel by Custom Coach
  • National Park Entrance Fees
  • Semi-Guided Exploration of the Parks
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Camping Fees
What’s Not Included
    • Sleeping Bag  (Rent one from us!)
    • Tent  (You don’t need one.  You can sleep on the bus!)
    • Inner Tube or Raft Rental
    • Bike Rental
    • Yosemite Valley Tour
    • River Rafting Trip
    • Crater Lake Boat Tour

You’ll be traveling in a custom sleeper coach! 

 

A sleeping bag is required for this adventure. If you don’t have one, rent one from us upon booking!  Just $15 for the entire trip.

 

A tent is not required.  You are welcome to sleep on the bus or use one of our pads to sleep beneath the stars.  You may rent a tent from us for $50 (if you really want one).

 

Our coaches are equipped with a camp kitchen.  No need to bring your own cookware or utensils.  Bring a reusable lunch container to store your packed lunch and a reusable water bottle.

Departure:  9:00 PM – San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery Street Bus Loading Zone 

Arrival:  7:00 AM – San Francisco, CA, Columbus and Montgomery St. Bus Loading Zone

2023 Dates & Prices

Initial Payment Required To Book This Adventure: $500

Total Payment Due 60 Days Prior To Adventure 

No Dates Available

Fare: $849 + Food/Parks: $249
Total:
$1,098

A Pacific Northwest adventure with the added bonus of Yosemite National Park!  Spend a few days beneath granite masterpieces, El Capitan and Half Dome.  Venture around Tuolumne Meadows and visit the Giant Sequoias.  Then, embark on a journey to the magical wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. This trip features adrenaline pumping whitewater rafting, the serene Crater Lake National Park, relaxing hot spring soaks and a pristine coastline decorated with towering redwoods, the world’s tallest living things!  You cannot comprehend these enchanted destinations without seeing them with your own eyes!

Day By Day 

0.  San Francisco, California – Drive Night 

1.  Yosemite Valley – Camp Night

2.  Tuolumne Meadows / Giant Sequoias – Drive Night

3.  San Francisco – Drive Night

4. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park – Camp Night

5. Trinity River Rafting – Drive Night

6. Lassen National Park – Camp Night

7. Crater Lake National Park – Camp Night

8. Ashland, Oregon – Camp Night

9. San Francisco, California – Arrival